Learn cocktails with confidence.
Beginner-friendly guides to cocktail techniques, essential recipes, tools and home bartending.
Beginner Questions
How to Make Cocktails at Home: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Everything a complete beginner needs to start making great cocktails at home.
Read the guideBrowse by category
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Fundamentals
Core skills and concepts every home bartender should master first.
10 Guides -
Essential Cocktails
The classic recipes every well-stocked home bar should be able to make.
15 Guides -
Tools & Glassware
What to buy, what to skip, and how to use the equipment you already have.
4 Guides -
Beginner Questions
Quick, direct answers to the questions every beginner has but hesitates to ask.
3 Guides
New to cocktails? Start here.
Five steps that take you from complete beginner to confident home bartender.
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Learn the core techniques
Shaking, stirring, straining — master the three methods that cover 90% of cocktails.
Read guide -
Stock the essential spirits
You don't need everything. Start with four bottles and make dozens of cocktails.
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Make your first five cocktails
Five classic recipes that teach you technique, balance and flavour at the same time.
Read guide
All Guides

Why Is My Cocktail Too Watery or Too Strong?
How dilution, ice, temperature and balance make cocktails taste too weak, watery or overly strong.

How to Make a Daiquiri
A classic rum, lime and sugar Daiquiri with the right balance of acidity, sweetness and dilution.

How to Make a Classic Martini
A classic gin and dry vermouth Martini, with ratios, stirring technique and garnish options explained.

How to Make a Margarita Without Triple Sec
A tequila, lime and agave Margarita with no orange liqueur, inspired by the Tommy's style.

How to Make a Piña Colada
A balanced rum, pineapple and coconut recipe, including frozen and shaken versions.

How to Make a Cosmopolitan
A balanced vodka, cranberry and lime Cosmopolitan with the right amount of sweetness and citrus.

How to Make a Mojito
A refreshing rum, lime and mint Mojito with the right balance of sweetness, soda and ice.

What Is Double Straining and When Should You Do It?
What double straining removes, which cocktails benefit and when a normal strain is enough.

How to Make an Amaretto Sour
A balanced Amaretto Sour recipe with bourbon, fresh lemon and optional egg white foam.

